How can we live knowing we are "loved by God"? Loved and Chosen: The Foundation “Brothers who are beloved by God, we know that He has chosen you.” (1 Thessalonians 1:4) • Loved – God’s affection toward you is personal and unwavering. • Chosen – His choice is deliberate, eternal, and not contingent on your performance. • Because Scripture is entirely true, you can take this statement at face value: you really are loved and chosen. Resting in Security Romans 8:38-39 tells us nothing can separate us from this love. • Trade anxious striving for settled confidence. • When guilt or fear surfaces, rehearse the truth aloud: “God Himself says I’m beloved.” • Let His love silence self-condemnation (cf. 1 John 3:20). Rejecting Lies The enemy whispers, “You’re forgotten.” God counters with Zephaniah 3:17: “He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love.” • Identify thoughts that contradict God’s Word. • Replace them with specific verses—truth drives out deception. Responding with Worship and Obedience John 15:9: “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love.” Remaining involves: • Daily gratitude—thank Him out loud for concrete evidences of His care. • Joyful obedience—His commands become invitations, not burdens (1 John 5:3). Loving Others as Loved People Ephesians 5:1-2: “Be imitators of God… and walk in love.” • Serve without demanding repayment; you’re already full. • Forgive quickly—God’s lavish grace toward you fuels grace toward others. • Speak life-giving words; you know what soul-refreshing love feels like. Living on Mission Knowing you’re secure frees you to risk. • Share the gospel confidently; the One who chose you also longs to choose others (2 Corinthians 5:14). • Open your home, your table, your schedule—love propels hospitality. Persevering through Trials 1 Peter 5:10 promises God will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” you. • Hard seasons are not evidence of lost love; they’re arenas where His steadfast affection shines. • Keep your eyes on the cross—the ultimate proof of love (Romans 5:8). Daily Practices to Remember His Love • Start the morning by reading a verse about His love; personalize it. • Keep a “love journal” of answered prayers and provisions. • Surround yourself with worship music that proclaims His faithfulness. • End the day recalling three ways He showed love in the last 24 hours. Closing Encouragement Loved people live differently: calm in chaos, generous in scarcity, fearless in witness. Let 1 Thessalonians 1:4 echo in your heart today—chosen, cherished, and secure, you can step into every moment confident of the God who loves you first and best. |
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